Tag: outdoors
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Week
The first week of July is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Week. It is a time when leading organisations aim to highlight the impacts of childhood obesity and request the Government take action to focus on reducing obesity in children, for the health of our nation.
Awareness of childhood obesity and the risks it brings can help parents make better choices for their children. There is a much greater chance that overweight children will become overweight adults, when compared to children who maintain a normal weight throughout adolescence.
Childhood obesity heightens the risk of serious illnesses during childhood and increases the risk of developing long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and several types of cancer.
As a parent there is plenty that you can do to help your child maintain a healthy weight with the support of healthcare professionals and schools. Many teaching institutions now provide an environment where your child can learn about nutrition and health.
Healthy living starts at home and children learn first and foremost from their parents.
Here are some easy ways to assist your child to achieve a healthy weight:
1. Monitor your child’s weight. The ‘red book’ you are given when your baby is born contains useful charts for reviewing your child’s weight, height and development. Always seek professional help if you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s health and development.
2. Encourage your child to exercise and have fun outdoors every day.
3. Feed your child a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruit and unprocessed foods. Minimise the amount of packaged food, fresh is best.
4. Enjoy food in moderation and limit sweet treats to special occasions.
5. Have fun teaching your child about nutritious foods and show them how to cook healthy meals so they are prepared to make the best choices in life.
6. Be a role model for your child and encourage physical activity and healthy eating.
If your child is overweight, you can do something about it. The earlier you act the sooner your child will reap the health benefits, both mentally and physically.
Lydia Oliver – Nutritional Advisor Only Best For Baby
This article was published in the July 2013 edition of Mummy and Me Magazine.
I offer one to one nutrition programmes for breastfeeding, post pregnancy weight loss, weaning, weight management and health. Contact me.
Victoria Park London
We walked to Victoria Park in London today with our bouncing toddler rearing to go on the big slides, a picnic rug and an essential lunch bag full of fruit and cheese sandwiches.
There’s nothing better than being outdoors and running around a park. Victoria Park underwent a huge refurbishment from 2011 until April 2012. There are now some incredible play areas that cater for children of all ages from young babies to teenagers.
Feeding the ducks and the pigeons by the large pond.
Trousers, socks and shoes come off for some splashing in the sand and water play area.
The English Garden with pretty purple flowers.
Having fun with Daddy in the big kids playground!
Family Life
The last few weeks have been extremely busy in our household. Aside from the usual business of general family life we’ve had some big decisions to make which affect us all.
A couple of weeks ago I made the decision to return to work part-time which is something I’m really looking forward to. It will be great to be back in the office working on projects again. Hubby and I have been researching and visiting nurseries to find one we’re happy with. We’ve settled on a nursery close to home which has great facilities for children and a wonderful environment.
Imogen is almost back to full health after more than a week of gastroenteritis which saw her with a very high fever for several days, vomiting, diarrhoea and mild dehydration.
The gastroenteritis struck the day we arrived in Brittany for our holiday, which was horribly too similar to our journey to New Zealand in January. Hubby had a couple of days of feeling under the weather and I was lucky to escape any ill effects. Thankfully we’re now getting out and exploring the beautiful countryside and coastline in Brittany.
A much happier little girl now she is better and out enjoying the great outdoors.
There is something about Brittany which continually draws us back. The beautiful view from our garden at Lostmarc’h near Crozon in Finistere.